1. Describe Reynie A helpful, kind and smart test taker who is an orphan, and used to having no friends. He thinks this test is a very good opportunity.
2. On page five, it states that Reynie looked for solitude and freedom from persecution. What does this mean? Use evidence from the text to support your answers. It meant that the library had freedom from being made fun of because the other kids don't like the library.
3. Why would Reynie break his pencil in half for someone that he didn't even know? He was a kind person and he knew that this was a very important test.
4. On page 17, it states that Reynie, "felt the weight of loneliness upon him." Why? What happened, use evidence to support your answers. He did not being lonely and he didn't know anyone, so it was like he felt weight.
5. Is cheating ever ok? How and why did Reynie resist the temptation? Yes if your life depends on it and he didn't not cheat because he knew he couldn't lie to his tutor. He resisted the urge by sitting in front of the answers.
6. Why are rules made? Why are those so many rules in chapter one? Because if they didn't follow the test rules he didn't have what it took for the special opportunities.
1. Reynie says he doesn't like television. Do you believe him? Why or why not? Yes, If I was a kid as smart and strange as Reynie I would spend my time doing school work and studying and not TV.
2. Why is it important for this team to work together? If you work togetheryou are stronger and problems will have to go through all of you.
3. At the beginning of the chapter Rhonda doesn't seem upset at all - why? She was a very strange child and maybe she was just trying to sabotage the boy's test.
4. Describe Kate and Sticky. Who do you think are the protagonist and antagonist of the story so far? So far the protagonistsare Reynie, Sticky, and Kate. The antagonist is the test they are taking.
1. What is the most important test the children passed in order to be selected? To work work together, because if they didn't work together they would never have finished the test.
2. How are they tested?The do not only take written tests, but Mr.Benedict watches them to see how they solve the puzzles.
3. Why doesn’t it seem to matter that all the children solve the problem in a different way? Because that way Mr.Benedict can see all the children's talents.
4. What is narcolepsy? How does this affect Mr. Benedict? Narcolepsy is where you uncontrollably and randomly sometimes fall asleep. Mr.Benedict always has to be watched so he doesn't fall over.
5, Where is Zambia? Find out two interesting facts about this place. Changed- (Zambia is in Southern Asia). Zambia wanted freedom from the United Kingdom and has part of Victoria Falls.This answer is incorrect, please redo.
6. Is Bembi a real language? No
7. Why do you think Mr. Benedict wants this group of children for an important assignment? He has a project that needs children and this group is the best according to his tests.
8. What does the word " vexed" mean and how is it used in these two chapters? It means annoyed and it is used by them being annoyed by the sender of the messages.
Due Monday, February 20th
Wednesday, February 22nd
Read The Sender and The Messenger
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1.With so much in common, Kate, Reynie, Sticky, and Constance still have dissimilar traits.
What are the traits they possess that bring them together? Reynie is just very smart, Sticky is a very good reader that knows many things from reading, Kate knows how to use everything she sees and Constance is annoying. They are together because they each can solve each others problems when they are not sure what to do.9o
2. What causes discord among the team members? The sender's messages and the puzzles create confusion and Constance messes things up.
3. What in their backgrounds and family life is similar? What is dissimilar? They all didn't have parents, but they had very different lives after they died.
4. How do the likenesses play a role in their assignment? If everyone has different talents then they can do many different things together that only one of them knows how to do.
Wednesday, February 22nd
Read Codes and Histories, The Thing to Come and The Naming of the Crew
Due Tuesday, February 28th
1. Why do you think that Mr. Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach? Because if the sender teaches the children everything he will be noticed and the children will think he is evil.
2. What is Morse code? Who invented this communication system and what was it used for? Made by Alfred Vail, Morse code uses dots and lines to represent letters. This was used in top secret missions and were you only want a specific person to be able to understand it.
3. Mr. Benedict on page 119 states, "Whether you always agree is inconsequential,..." What does this mean? How does this fit into the definition of a team? It means that they do not always have to agree, and with Constance they will not agree.
4. When Sticky tells about his background, he says that philanthropists began sending his parents money, what are philanthropists? It also says that Sticky was astonished and mortified - about what? A philanthropist is a person who feels sorry for someone and gives them things. He was astonished and mortified that his parents didn't care about him, they only cared about the money.
5. Constance had a breakthrough on page 124, describe this event. She actually apologized to Sticky for making him talk about his background.
6. Milligan has amnesia and wears disguises - why? He was captured a long time ago and was given amnesia. He wears disguises because he is afraid his enemy will recognize him but he won't recognize them.
7. At the end of the chapter, Milligan couldn't look at the children - why? He did not want to talk to them after telling of his difficult background.
8. What is the "unintended consequence" mentioned on page 135? The consequence is the messages the children are sending and they are not meant to happen.
9. Describe the Sender. A person who wants to do something that is unknown in this part, but does not care about the people it affects. He seems like he is evil.
10. Why was Reynie doubting his trust for Mr. Benedict? He was unsure that Constance should be in the group.
11. What does the word "forged" mean on page 136? When you do do some thing fake, usually handwriting someone Else's signature.
12. Again, why do you think that Constance is an important part of the team? Your answer should reflect change from the last time we discussed this. Because if Constance always messes things up, then when she goes to the sender she will mess up the plans without trying.
13. Why is Mr. Benedict commonly found on the floor? Because he has a disease where he randomly falls asleep, and if he falls asleep when standing he will get hurt.
14. How could Constance we the key to the team's success? Because she will use her habit of messing things up and do bad at her job.
15. On page 143, why is Reynie thanking Mr. Benedict? Because he liked the fact that Mr.Benedict was so friendly.
16. What is The Mysterious Benedict Society? The name of the group-(Sticky, Kate, Reynie, an Constance.)
Read Nomansan Island and Traps and Nonsense
Due Thursday, March 1st
Normansan Island
1. How are you enjoying this book so far? What questions do you currently have about this book that you think will be answered as we continue with the book?I like this book because of it's mysteriousness. I wonder what bad things the sender is doing and why there was a trap in the plant.
2. Who are the executives and what is their job? What's the difference between a messenger and an executive? They both help run the place but messengers are just the smartest students and executives are adults.
3. Describe Jackson and Jillson. What do you think their role is in this book? They are executives that are very annoying and think very highly of themselves. There role is to guide the children through the academy.
4. On page 160 it states that Kate was, "trying to prove she didn't need anyone's help and this was easiest to believe when she was doing what she was good at." What do you think this means? When she was doing what she was good at it was easy to believe that she had loads of talents and it looked like she didn't need any help.
5. The end of the chapter ends with a cliff-hanger. What is a cliff-hanger and why it important? Cliff hangers end in something mysterious that you expect to be explained soon. They are important to make things interesting.
Traps and Nonsense
6. Why do you think there was a trap disguised with a plant on top? Do you think this will be important later in the book? What is that called when an author gives you clues as to what is going to occur further into the book? It was disguised because no won will fall in if it is not disguised and this will be important because it shows the sender is hiding something. This is called: Foreshadowing.
7. Who are the helpers? Adults in white uniforms that do work at the institute.
8. On page 166, the phrase "Whatever floats your boat," is an idiom. What is an idiom and what does this phrase mean? An idiom is an expression and this means whatever you have to do to live.
9. What do you think about the Institute having no rules? How is this statement contradicted? I thought the institute might be a fun place with no rules but there really were rules.
10. What is a free market? Why do they have to memorize a chant about the free market? A free market is a system where the prices are changed by other competition.
Thursday, March 1st
Read Beware the Gemini
Due Monday, March 5th
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
1. On page 174 it states that the new kids always felt "conspicuous," what does this word mean? Having special attention, and when you are new you have special attention.
2. What are the "recruiters" and "Institute scouts" that they are referring to? They are the same thing, and are the ones that get new students. It is unknown so far how they get them.
3. What clues are mentioned in the book that might suggest that the new arrivals might have been kidnapped? Use text evidence in your answer. The children were drowsy, so they could have been put to sleep, and they were unhappy.
4. Describe Mr. Curtain Mr.Benedict's twin, runs the institute and is thought to be evil and send the messages through the children.
5. Could Mr. Curtain and Mr. Benedict be the same person? Probably not, because that they received a message that he was a twin, or a Gemini.
6. Why would everything be backwards at the institute? What might their reasons for this be? So it is harder to figure out that they are up to no good, and the kids are confused.
7. What does the word "sasquatch" mean that is mentioned on page 179? Kate joked that his initials- S.Q. must be sort for Sasquatch.
8. What is a cryptic message and why would this be important? A message that is a puzzle, and this is important because then the guards will not know what they are saying.
9. On page 184 it states, "As is always the case with a society, some arguing remained to be done." Is this true and why might this be important to all societies? Arguing can help look at something from multiple people's perspectives and help change your decision.
10. What is "gemini" and why is this word important to this chapter? A Gemini is a twin, and this is important because Mr.Benedict has a twin.
Monday, March 5th
Read Lessons Learned and People and Places to be Avoided
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 7th
1. Why do you think that no mirrors can be found at the Institute? If there were mirrors you could see behind you and know what the executives were doing when you were not looking
2. Find the idiom on page 188 and explain what it means. Idiom: A stitch in time saves time. This means that if you fix your time spending habits it will save time.
3. What do you think of the statement, found on page 189, "Because it was impossible, in the end, to protect yourself from anything - no matter how hard you tried - it was important to try as hard as you could to protect yourself from everything." What does it mean in the story and what does it mean in life? It means in the story that the Society has to try their best to protect themselves and in real life that you can't protect yourself from everything.
4. Why would SQ say she was "astounded or astonished" when Sticky and Reynie had received perfect scores? Why would this upset Martina? The tests were supposed to be confusing and he was astounded they got 100%. Martina would be upset because if those grades get you to become a messenger one will be replaced and she is one.
5. What lessons had the kids learned in this chapter? What would this chapter be named, "Lessons Learned?" They learned that they have avoid Martina.
6. The Helpers "averted" their eyes and had a "constant show of deference," why and what does this mean? It means that they don't talk or look at other people and or much different.
7. Why do you think that Mr. Curtain often was looking toward the bridge and off into the distance? So he could see the traps and see if the enemy came recently.
8. On page 201 it says that the corridor erupted into a "cacophony," what does this mean? There was a lot of sound coming from the kids talking.
9. Why wouldn't the students want to go to the Waiting Room? Use text evidence to support your answer. They knew they were in trouble if they had to go, and Corliss asked what she was in trouble for.
Wednesday, March 7th
Read Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations and Poison Apples/Poison Worms and A Surprising Suggestion
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 9th
1. What does the simile "his eyelids felt heavy as anvils" mean? It meant that he was very sleepy and his eyes felt like they had to stay open under anvils.
2. On page 210, Jackson stated, "You can say whatever you like when you have permission, right now no one has permission." What is he referring to? He is saying that he has control over when they can talk.
3. On page 211, Sticky could feel the "malice," what does this mean?It meant that Martina wanted to hurt Sticky .
4. Why is this chapter called Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations? The logical conclusion was that the lessons all related to the senders messages and the miscalculation was Kate making a new enemy for herself out of Martina.
5. How does fruit fit in with the discussion of taxes, war, health, the justice system.....? Fruit was part of the secret sender's messages and does not relate to the discussion.
6. The symbol poison apples, poison worms refers to what? The secret messages they heard with the transmitter device.
7. Reynie looked at the literal meaning of being poisoned, was he wrong? Explain your reasoning. No, being poisoned does not have to mean the toxic substance.
8. On page 216, it states that, "Most of us will simple feel irritable and confused." Have you heard this before? Where and what were they referring to? They were referring to the secret messages from the device they used to hear them.
9. Mr. Benedict told the children that their love for the truth will protect them, what does this mean? It meant that them liking the truth will protect them from the messages.
10. Why can Constance hear the Messenger's voice? Because she is the smartest of the society.
11. Explain the response the children got from the mainland on page 219. It meant that they had to cheat on the tests to get the information quickly.
12. Why is it so important that the children become Messengers as quickly as possible? So they know what the sender is trying to do and they can stop them.
13. What does the word "evasively" mean at the bottom of page 222? Kate wanted to prevent Constance from getting annoyed at her.
14. Why couldn't Charlie explain about the special privileges? The sender didn't want Charlie to tell and could be threatening him.
Friday, March 9th
Read Tests and Invitations and Everything as it Should Be
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 12th
1. Why was Reynie jealous? He was jealous that he didn't become a messenger even though he had perfect scores.
2. On page 236, it says that Mr. Curtain rolled his chair almost "imperceptibly", what does this mean? Very slightly and almost none at all.
3. "If you don't trust them, keep them close." What does this mean and why would Reynie say this statement? It means that if you don't trust someone you keep them near you so you can watch them and he used this as an excuse for being around Constance.
4. What is a sense of "deja vu?" (page 238) Thinking you experienced something already when it is really the first time.
5. "Control is always the key." What is this supposed to mean? If you have control you change what is happening and make it better.
Monday, March 12th
Read Of Families Lost and Found and Tactical Caciupi
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 14th
1. Why is this chapter called Of Families Lost and Found? Reynie reviews Mr.Benedict's childhood.
2. On page 254, it states, "What has been lost may yet be found, Have hope." What does this message from the mainland mean? It means that they may have hope to give people their memories back.
3. Respond to Reynie's idea of what a family might be all about, "I have no experience, but well, is this what family is like? The feeling that everyone's connected, that with one piece missing the whole thing's broken?" He means that if one member goes away the whole family is damaged.
4. On page 257, it, "family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood." What does this mean? It means that often your family has the same blood as you, but they don't have to.
5. What was the cliff hanger in the chapter Of Families Lost and Found? Reynie said they might not have to get the book, and it makes you wonder why not.
6. Why do you think that family is such an important theme that is woven in and out of almost each chapter? If the people had family they wouldn't be going on the mission of the Mysterious Benedict
7. What does "Tactical Caciupi" mean and why would the author name this chapter that title? I think it means using cheating tactics, and it is the title because they cheat to see Mr.Curtain's book.
8. Why would Mr. Curtain say that one of his biggest accomplishments would be the invention of his tidal turbines? Explain what these are and how might they be used on the island. They generate electricity with waves and could give the island electricity.
9. What was Kate using her spy glass/kaleidoscope for? To see the tidal turbines.
10. Knowing Sticky's talents, what do you think he is being used for when it comes to the journal? To memorize what is on the paper, because he is good at memorization.
11. On page 267, the first entry is read and one part states, "There is no such thing as perfect control. I have come to understand, however, that the illusion of perfect control can amount to the same thing." What does this mean and what implications might this have on the story? You cannot have perfect control over something, but Mr.Curtain has almost. Mr. Curtain has control over the people he brainwashed.
12. How can you have an illusion of control? You think that you can control everything but you really cannot.
13. Explain "brainsweeping." Brainsweeping is Mr.Curtains word for completely brainwashing someone.
14. Why aren't the special recruits every scared? They were brainwashed and think they were safe here their whole life.
15. What do you think the "improvement" is that they are talking about on page 270? Maybe Mr.Curtain is planning on ruling the world and thinks he will be improving the world.
16. What do you think his message on page 272 means? Maybe when he rules the world he will tell this to the people to make them comfortable.
Wednesday, March 14th
Read Caught in the Act and The Waiting Room
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 16th
1. Why is this chapter called, "Caught in the Act?" It is called caught in the act because Sticky was caught cheating.
2. On page 277 it says, "precipice." What does this mean and how is it used in the sentence? It means a cliff and it is used when dreams he fell of one.
3. Why were Reynie, Kate and Constance trying to climb the wall? So they could see what the executives did when the doors were locked of the gym.
4. Again, it mentions the "improvement." Any clues as to what this might be? I think the improvement will send messages into people's heads to control them, when they are at full power.
5. On page 282, the word "ominous" is used. What does this word mean and how is it used in the sentence? Ominous means scary or evil. It is used to describe the thumping on the tree branch.
6. Describe Sticky as he came out of the Waiting Room. He was covered in slimy, black, and stinky mud and eyes showed that he was crying for hours. He did not want to talk about what had happened.
7. Why wouldn't Sticky talk after he came out? He was very depressed and wanted most to get out. Why else?
8. List the main characters and what they have to offer to a "team." Why might this be important to the rest of the book?
(Reynie, Constance, Kate and Sticky) Reynie is good at figuring things out and not too bad at anything, Constance is good at poetry, boldness, and rudeness, Kate is good at using her surroundings and being resourceful, and Sticky is good at memorization and is extremely smart. This may be important so each person can use their skills to defeat the sender.
9. What was the main idea for this chapter? Give two supporting details. The main idea is convincing Sticky to continue with Mr.Curtain's meeting. Two supporting details are that Reynie said he had a plan and that the society was cheering Sticky to go talk to Mr.Curtain.
Friday, March 16th Read Punishments and Promotions and Half a Riddle Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Monday, March 19th
1. What was the dilemma that Sticky was facing with Mr. Curtain? What would you have done? He had to talk about why he was cheating. I would have run away if I was in the same situation as Sticky.
2. State Mr. Curtain's view on the idea of "control." Mr.Curtain's view of control is when you can force someone to do whatever you want and they will do what you said.
3. Why do you think that Sticky got off the hook for cheating and Reynie got off the hook for lying? Because Mr.Curtain only cared if he knew they were against the institute, it wouldn't affect him at all.
4, On page 304 it states that Martina's face, "shone with malevolence," what does this mean and how does that apply to this sentence? Malevolence is when you want to hurt someone, so Martina wanted to hurt them.
5. Why would Martina be promoted to Executive? Give reasons and your thinking as to why. Maybe she told the truth and Mr.Curtain liked it so he promoted her to messenger.
6. What does it mean when Mr. Curtain says that the "best way of dealing with those you don't trust is to keep them close." Reynie said this and now so has Mr. Curtain - what do you think this means for the both of them? It means that if you don't trust someone keep them them near you so you can watch them.
7. Why did Mr. Curtain make Sticky and Reynie messengers? He thinking about it before and finally decided he could trust them.
8. The coded message read: With open eyes now you may find A place you must exit to enter. Where one ----
What do you think this message might mean? Give reasons for your thinking. He meant that now their eyes had no blindfold so they should find the message device.
Monday, March 19th
Read The Whisperer and Open Sesame
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 21st
1. At the beginning of the chapter, Reynie has a dream. What do you think the dream means? The dream has Reynie being tortured by Jackson, so this means he is afraid of Jackson.
2. On page 314, it states that Reynie and Sticky shook hands "resolutely," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence? It means firmly resolved, and when they shook hands they resolved something.
3. On page 315, Jackson refers to Sticky or George as "dimwitted," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence? Dimwitted means slow thinking, and Jackson called Sticky slow thinking.
4. Why couldn't the boys know the way to the Whispering Gallery? If they knew the way the way they could go there whenever they want and possibly break it.
5. Describe the Whispering Gallery. The wispering (whispering) gallery is were the wisperer (whisperer) is. The gallery has a very large area, and only one desk.
6. On page 317, it states that the Whispering Gallery is so "austere," what does this mean? It means strict and not willing to compromise.
7. Again the idea of control comes up over and over, why? If Mr.Curtain has control he put the messages to full power. More details needed for this answer. Control is one of the main ideas of this book, because the Mysterious Benedict societies goal is to stop Mr.Curtian from getting it. He can gain control if he puts the messages to full power.
8. Describe what The Whispering can do and not do. The wisperer (whisperer) can read your mind and ease your fears, but cannot instantly force you to think things.
9. On page 319, when Renyie states that, "They go down easier, like candy rather than medicine." What is he talking about? He means that the thoughts are processed much easier.
10. On page 319 it refers to "inputting data," what is this? The children are inputting there sessions with the messenger into the computer and Mr.Curtain then sends them out.
11. On page 321, it states, "poison apples, poison worms," again - now what is this referring to? Why is this phrase repeated throughout the book? It is one of the messages that the children send through the wisperer. (whisperer)
12. On the last page of The Whisperer" it ends with Sticky saying, "Not being wanted, not being wanted at all," what was the question? The question was "what is your worst fear?".
13. Why didn't Reynie want to sit and eat with the rest of the messengers? What excuse did he give the messenger? He did not want to split up with Kate and Constance so he said he had a stomach virus.
14. On page 333, when Constance says that Reynie is "on," what does this mean? It means that his messages are being broadcasted.
15. How do we know that Mr. Curtain will be done with the Messengers after "the Improvement?" He will have all the messages recorded and will not need them anymore.
16. What are the clues about the trap? The clues about the trap are that they took teh (the)same number of steps to to get to the gallery than to get to the traps.
17. How did the kids figure out the code? They turned the paper over so the word LOSE turned into 3507.
Wednesday, March 21st Read Practice Makes Perfect and Know Thine Enemy Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Friday, March 23rd
1. Why is this chapter called "Practice Makes Perfect?" Because Mr.Curtain is practicing brainsweeping people. He is planing to brainsweep everyone in the world so he can control them.
2. Why would the government press releases be dated for the future? So that way when Mr.Curtain reaches the date the pamphlets are marked for he can use his plan without having to make the pamphlets.
3. What does the article and page 346/347 mean? It means that Mr.Curtain made up the emergency and is planning to take credit for solving the emergency and soothing peoples fears, when really he made the emergency.
4. Why would Mr. Curtain want to create fear in everyone? So then he can sooth it with his wisperers and people will like him.
5. Why would Mr. Curtain want to put together an Amnesia Sanctuary? Because he will bainwash everyone, and once they are brainwashed they will go to Mr.Curtain's amnesia sancturary and like him.
6. Why is this chapter called, "Know Thine Enemy?" Because they figure out that the recruter that was standing there and they thought was an enemy was really Milligan.
7. What is the "memory terminal?" The memory terminal is were Mr.Curtain takes people's memories.
8. On page 353, Reynie states, "But we are too late! Much, much too late," what is he referring to? He meant that he was too late to stop Mr.Curtain's plans because he already had tons of wisperers made.
9. Who was the "recruiter" staring up at the window at night? Milligan.
10. Why would he send the message to hurry? Because he knew Mr.Curtain would carry out his plan soon, so they had to hurry up and stop it.
11. Why was Milligan on the island? He came to try to take the chidren to safety, but they refused because they knew that they would be the only ones safe. Milligan decided then that he would help them.
12. Why wouldn't the kids follow Milligan? They knew that if they went into safe hiding, they would be the only ones safe.
13. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent with Milligan to give to the kids? 'He said to remind ypu that every single one of you is essential to the success of the team-that now more than ever you must rely on one another in all things'
Friday, March 23rd Read A Chess Lesson and The Mouse in the Culvert Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Monday, March 26th
1. What is Reynie's plan that he refers to on page 364? Reynie did not have a plan, all he knew was that he had to disable the wisperer.
2. Why was Reynie so afraid of "betraying?" Because he liked the wisperer so much that he might betray the Mysterious Benedict Society for the wisperer.
3. Why was Reynie doubting himself? Because he knew how strong the wisperer took hold of you and that he wants to help it.
4. Why was Reynie sending Mr. Benedict a message? He needed help facing the wisperer.
5. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent back? "Remember the white knight".
6. What did the message mean? It meant that the white knight had made a move during a chess game, then decided it was bad move and took it back.
7. How did Kate get into the elevator? She shot a marble down the hallway so Jackson chased it, then snuck onto the elevator.
8. Why didn't she want to push any of the buttons in the elevator? She knew Jackson would hear it and she would get caught.
9. How does Mr. Curtain deal with the subject of fear? He takes advantage of it by curing it and then people like him.
10. What is Martina's job? She was an executive helping the memory sweepers.
11. How did Mr. Curtain make sure no one was in the culvert? He dumped boiling water in the pipes.
12. What did Kate see in the water that had deceived her? A black triangular rock that see thought was a shark fin.
2. On page five, it states that Reynie looked for solitude and freedom from persecution. What does this mean? Use evidence from the text to support your answers. It meant that the library had freedom from being made fun of because the other kids don't like the library.
3. Why would Reynie break his pencil in half for someone that he didn't even know? He was a kind person and he knew that this was a very important test.
4. On page 17, it states that Reynie, "felt the weight of loneliness upon him." Why? What happened, use evidence to support your answers. He did not being lonely and he didn't know anyone, so it was like he felt weight.
5. Is cheating ever ok? How and why did Reynie resist the temptation? Yes if your life depends on it and he didn't not cheat because he knew he couldn't lie to his tutor. He resisted the urge by sitting in front of the answers.
6. Why are rules made? Why are those so many rules in chapter one? Because if they didn't follow the test rules he didn't have what it took for the special opportunities.
1. Reynie says he doesn't like television. Do you believe him? Why or why not? Yes, If I was a kid as smart and strange as Reynie I would spend my time doing school work and studying and not TV.
2. Why is it important for this team to work together? If you work together you are stronger and problems will have to go through all of you.
3. At the beginning of the chapter Rhonda doesn't seem upset at all - why? She was a very strange child and maybe she was just trying to sabotage the boy's test.
4. Describe Kate and Sticky. Who do you think are the protagonist and antagonist of the story so far? So far the protagonists are Reynie, Sticky, and Kate. The antagonist is the test they are taking.
1. What is the most important test the children passed in order to be selected? To work work together, because if they didn't work together they would never have finished the test.
2. How are they tested?The do not only take written tests, but Mr.Benedict watches them to see how they solve the puzzles.
3. Why doesn’t it seem to matter that all the children solve the problem in a different way? Because that way Mr.Benedict can see all the children's talents.
4. What is narcolepsy? How does this affect Mr. Benedict? Narcolepsy is where you uncontrollably and randomly sometimes fall asleep. Mr.Benedict always has to be watched so he doesn't fall over.
5, Where is Zambia? Find out two interesting facts about this place. Changed- (Zambia is in Southern Asia). Zambia wanted freedom from the United Kingdom and has part of Victoria Falls.This answer is incorrect, please redo.
6. Is Bembi a real language? No
7. Why do you think Mr. Benedict wants this group of children for an important assignment? He has a project that needs children and this group is the best according to his tests.
8. What does the word " vexed" mean and how is it used in these two chapters? It means annoyed and it is used by them being annoyed by the sender of the messages.
Due Monday, February 20th
Wednesday, February 22nd
Read The Sender and The Messenger
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1.With so much in common, Kate, Reynie, Sticky, and Constance still have dissimilar traits.
What are the traits they possess that bring them together? Reynie is just very smart, Sticky is a very good reader that knows many things from reading, Kate knows how to use everything she sees and Constance is annoying. They are together because they each can solve each others problems when they are not sure what to do.9o
2. What causes discord among the team members? The sender's messages and the puzzles create confusion and Constance messes things up.
3. What in their backgrounds and family life is similar? What is dissimilar? They all didn't have parents, but they had very different lives after they died.
4. How do the likenesses play a role in their assignment? If everyone has different talents then they can do many different things together that only one of them knows how to do.
Wednesday, February 22nd
Read Codes and Histories, The Thing to Come and The Naming of the Crew
Due Tuesday, February 28th
1. Why do you think that Mr. Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach? Because if the sender teaches the children everything he will be noticed and the children will think he is evil.
2. What is Morse code? Who invented this communication system and what was it used for? Made by Alfred Vail, Morse code uses dots and lines to represent letters. This was used in top secret missions and were you only want a specific person to be able to understand it.
3. Mr. Benedict on page 119 states, "Whether you always agree is inconsequential,..." What does this mean? How does this fit into the definition of a team? It means that they do not always have to agree, and with Constance they will not agree.
4. When Sticky tells about his background, he says that philanthropists began sending his parents money, what are philanthropists? It also says that Sticky was astonished and mortified - about what? A philanthropist is a person who feels sorry for someone and gives them things. He was astonished and mortified that his parents didn't care about him, they only cared about the money.
5. Constance had a breakthrough on page 124, describe this event. She actually apologized to Sticky for making him talk about his background.
6. Milligan has amnesia and wears disguises - why? He was captured a long time ago and was given amnesia. He wears disguises because he is afraid his enemy will recognize him but he won't recognize them.
7. At the end of the chapter, Milligan couldn't look at the children - why? He did not want to talk to them after telling of his difficult background.
8. What is the "unintended consequence" mentioned on page 135? The consequence is the messages the children are sending and they are not meant to happen.
9. Describe the Sender. A person who wants to do something that is unknown in this part, but does not care about the people it affects. He seems like he is evil.
10. Why was Reynie doubting his trust for Mr. Benedict? He was unsure that Constance should be in the group.
11. What does the word "forged" mean on page 136? When you do do some thing fake, usually handwriting someone Else's
signature.
12. Again, why do you think that Constance is an important part of the team? Your answer should reflect change from the last time we discussed this. Because if Constance always messes things up, then when she goes to the sender she will mess up the plans without trying.
13. Why is Mr. Benedict commonly found on the floor? Because he has a disease where he randomly falls asleep, and if he falls asleep when standing he will get hurt.
14. How could Constance we the key to the team's success? Because she will use her habit of messing things up and do bad at her job.
15. On page 143, why is Reynie thanking Mr. Benedict? Because he liked the fact that Mr.Benedict was so friendly.
16. What is The Mysterious Benedict Society? The name of the group-(Sticky, Kate, Reynie, an Constance.)
Read Nomansan Island and Traps and Nonsense
Due Thursday, March 1st
Normansan Island
1. How are you enjoying this book so far? What questions do you currently have about this book that you think will be answered as we continue with the book?I like this book because of it's mysteriousness. I wonder what bad things the sender is doing and why there was a trap in the plant.
2. Who are the executives and what is their job? What's the difference between a messenger and an executive? They both help run the place but messengers are just the smartest students and executives are adults.
3. Describe Jackson and Jillson. What do you think their role is in this book? They are executives that are very annoying and think very highly of themselves. There role is to guide the children through the academy.
4. On page 160 it states that Kate was, "trying to prove she didn't need anyone's help and this was easiest to believe when she was doing what she was good at." What do you think this means? When she was doing what she was good at it was easy to believe that she had loads of talents and it looked like she didn't need any help.
5. The end of the chapter ends with a cliff-hanger. What is a cliff-hanger and why it important? Cliff hangers end in something mysterious that you expect to be explained soon. They are important to make things interesting.
Traps and Nonsense
6. Why do you think there was a trap disguised with a plant on top? Do you think this will be important later in the book? What is that called when an author gives you clues as to what is going to occur further into the book? It was disguised because no won will fall in if it is not disguised and this will be important because it shows the sender is hiding something. This is called: Foreshadowing.
7. Who are the helpers? Adults in white uniforms that do work at the institute.
8. On page 166, the phrase "Whatever floats your boat," is an idiom. What is an idiom and what does this phrase mean? An idiom is an expression and this means whatever you have to do to live.
9. What do you think about the Institute having no rules? How is this statement contradicted? I thought the institute might be a fun place with no rules but there really were rules.
10. What is a free market? Why do they have to memorize a chant about the free market? A free market is a system where the prices are changed by other competition.
Thursday, March 1st
Read Beware the Gemini
Due Monday, March 5th
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
1. On page 174 it states that the new kids always felt "conspicuous," what does this word mean? Having special attention, and when you are new you have special attention.
2. What are the "recruiters" and "Institute scouts" that they are referring to? They are the same thing, and are the ones that get new students. It is unknown so far how they get them.
3. What clues are mentioned in the book that might suggest that the new arrivals might have been kidnapped? Use text evidence in your answer. The children were drowsy, so they could have been put to sleep, and they were unhappy.
4. Describe Mr. Curtain Mr.Benedict's twin, runs the institute and is thought to be evil and send the messages through the children.
5. Could Mr. Curtain and Mr. Benedict be the same person? Probably not, because that they received a message that he was a twin, or a Gemini.
6. Why would everything be backwards at the institute? What might their reasons for this be? So it is harder to figure out that they are up to no good, and the kids are confused.
7. What does the word "sasquatch" mean that is mentioned on page 179? Kate joked that his initials- S.Q. must be sort for Sasquatch.
8. What is a cryptic message and why would this be important? A message that is a puzzle, and this is important because then the guards will not know what they are saying.
9. On page 184 it states, "As is always the case with a society, some arguing remained to be done." Is this true and why might this be important to all societies? Arguing can help look at something from multiple people's perspectives and help change your decision.
10. What is "gemini" and why is this word important to this chapter? A Gemini is a twin, and this is important because Mr.Benedict has a twin.
Monday, March 5th
Read Lessons Learned and People and Places to be Avoided
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 7th
1. Why do you think that no mirrors can be found at the Institute? If there were mirrors you could see behind you and know what the executives were doing when you were not looking
2. Find the idiom on page 188 and explain what it means. Idiom: A stitch in time saves time. This means that if you fix your time spending habits it will save time.
3. What do you think of the statement, found on page 189, "Because it was impossible, in the end, to protect yourself from anything - no matter how hard you tried - it was important to try as hard as you could to protect yourself from everything." What does it mean in the story and what does it mean in life? It means in the story that the Society has to try their best to protect themselves and in real life that you can't protect yourself from everything.
4. Why would SQ say she was "astounded or astonished" when Sticky and Reynie had received perfect scores? Why would this upset Martina? The tests were supposed to be confusing and he was astounded they got 100%. Martina would be upset because if those grades get you to become a messenger one will be replaced and she is one.
5. What lessons had the kids learned in this chapter? What would this chapter be named, "Lessons Learned?" They learned that they have avoid Martina.
6. The Helpers "averted" their eyes and had a "constant show of deference," why and what does this mean? It means that they don't talk or look at other people and or much different.
7. Why do you think that Mr. Curtain often was looking toward the bridge and off into the distance? So he could see the traps and see if the enemy came recently.
8. On page 201 it says that the corridor erupted into a "cacophony," what does this mean? There was a lot of sound coming from the kids talking.
9. Why wouldn't the students want to go to the Waiting Room? Use text evidence to support your answer. They knew they were in trouble if they had to go, and Corliss asked what she was in trouble for.
Wednesday, March 7th
Read Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations and Poison Apples/Poison Worms and A Surprising Suggestion
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 9th
1. What does the simile "his eyelids felt heavy as anvils" mean? It meant that he was very sleepy and his eyes felt like they had to stay open under anvils.
2. On page 210, Jackson stated, "You can say whatever you like when you have permission, right now no one has permission." What is he referring to? He is saying that he has control over when they can talk.
3. On page 211, Sticky could feel the "malice," what does this mean?It meant that Martina wanted to hurt Sticky .
4. Why is this chapter called Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations? The logical conclusion was that the lessons all related to the senders messages and the miscalculation was Kate making a new enemy for herself out of Martina.
5. How does fruit fit in with the discussion of taxes, war, health, the justice system.....? Fruit was part of the secret sender's messages and does not relate to the discussion.
6. The symbol poison apples, poison worms refers to what? The secret messages they heard with the transmitter device.
7. Reynie looked at the literal meaning of being poisoned, was he wrong? Explain your reasoning. No, being poisoned does not have to mean the toxic substance.
8. On page 216, it states that, "Most of us will simple feel irritable and confused." Have you heard this before? Where and what were they referring to? They were referring to the secret messages from the device they used to hear them.
9. Mr. Benedict told the children that their love for the truth will protect them, what does this mean? It meant that them liking the truth will protect them from the messages.
10. Why can Constance hear the Messenger's voice? Because she is the smartest of the society.
11. Explain the response the children got from the mainland on page 219. It meant that they had to cheat on the tests to get the information quickly.
12. Why is it so important that the children become Messengers as quickly as possible? So they know what the sender is trying to do and they can stop them.
13. What does the word "evasively" mean at the bottom of page 222? Kate wanted to prevent Constance from getting annoyed at her.
14. Why couldn't Charlie explain about the special privileges? The sender didn't want Charlie to tell and could be threatening him.
Friday, March 9th
Read Tests and Invitations and Everything as it Should Be
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 12th
1. Why was Reynie jealous? He was jealous that he didn't become a messenger even though he had perfect scores.
2. On page 236, it says that Mr. Curtain rolled his chair almost "imperceptibly", what does this mean? Very slightly and almost none at all.
3. "If you don't trust them, keep them close." What does this mean and why would Reynie say this statement? It means that if you don't trust someone you keep them near you so you can watch them and he used this as an excuse for being around Constance.
4. What is a sense of "deja vu?" (page 238) Thinking you experienced something already when it is really the first time.
5. "Control is always the key." What is this supposed to mean? If you have control you change what is happening and make it better.
Monday, March 12th
Read Of Families Lost and Found and Tactical Caciupi
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 14th
1. Why is this chapter called Of Families Lost and Found? Reynie reviews Mr.Benedict's childhood.
2. On page 254, it states, "What has been lost may yet be found, Have hope." What does this message from the mainland mean? It means that they may have hope to give people their memories back.
3. Respond to Reynie's idea of what a family might be all about, "I have no experience, but well, is this what family is like? The feeling that everyone's connected, that with one piece missing the whole thing's broken?" He means that if one member goes away the whole family is damaged.
4. On page 257, it, "family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood." What does this mean? It means that often your family has the same blood as you, but they don't have to.
5. What was the cliff hanger in the chapter Of Families Lost and Found? Reynie said they might not have to get the book, and it makes you wonder why not.
6. Why do you think that family is such an important theme that is woven in and out of almost each chapter? If the people had family they wouldn't be going on the mission of the Mysterious Benedict
7. What does "Tactical Caciupi" mean and why would the author name this chapter that title? I think it means using cheating tactics, and it is the title because they cheat to see Mr.Curtain's book.
8. Why would Mr. Curtain say that one of his biggest accomplishments would be the invention of his tidal turbines? Explain what these are and how might they be used on the island. They generate electricity with waves and could give the island electricity.
9. What was Kate using her spy glass/kaleidoscope for? To see the tidal turbines.
10. Knowing Sticky's talents, what do you think he is being used for when it comes to the journal? To memorize what is on the paper, because he is good at memorization.
11. On page 267, the first entry is read and one part states, "There is no such thing as perfect control. I have come to understand, however, that the illusion of perfect control can amount to the same thing." What does this mean and what implications might this have on the story? You cannot have perfect control over something, but Mr.Curtain has almost. Mr. Curtain has control over the people he brainwashed.
12. How can you have an illusion of control? You think that you can control everything but you really cannot.
13. Explain "brainsweeping." Brainsweeping is Mr.Curtains word for completely brainwashing someone.
14. Why aren't the special recruits every scared? They were brainwashed and think they were safe here their whole life.
15. What do you think the "improvement" is that they are talking about on page 270? Maybe Mr.Curtain is planning on ruling the world and thinks he will be improving the world.
16. What do you think his message on page 272 means? Maybe when he rules the world he will tell this to the people to make them comfortable.
Wednesday, March 14th
Read Caught in the Act and The Waiting Room
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 16th
1. Why is this chapter called, "Caught in the Act?" It is called caught in the act because Sticky was caught cheating.
2. On page 277 it says, "precipice." What does this mean and how is it used in the sentence? It means a cliff and it is used when dreams he fell of one.
3. Why were Reynie, Kate and Constance trying to climb the wall? So they could see what the executives did when the doors were locked of the gym.
4. Again, it mentions the "improvement." Any clues as to what this might be? I think the improvement will send messages into people's heads to control them, when they are at full power.
5. On page 282, the word "ominous" is used. What does this word mean and how is it used in the sentence? Ominous means scary or evil. It is used to describe the thumping on the tree branch.
6. Describe Sticky as he came out of the Waiting Room. He was covered in slimy, black, and stinky mud and eyes showed that he was crying for hours. He did not want to talk about what had happened.
7. Why wouldn't Sticky talk after he came out? He was very depressed and wanted most to get out. Why else?
8. List the main characters and what they have to offer to a "team." Why might this be important to the rest of the book?
(Reynie, Constance, Kate and Sticky) Reynie is good at figuring things out and not too bad at anything, Constance is good at poetry, boldness, and rudeness, Kate is good at using her surroundings and being resourceful, and Sticky is good at memorization and is extremely smart. This may be important so each person can use their skills to defeat the sender.
9. What was the main idea for this chapter? Give two supporting details. The main idea is convincing Sticky to continue with Mr.Curtain's meeting. Two supporting details are that Reynie said he had a plan and that the society was cheering Sticky to go talk to Mr.Curtain.
Friday, March 16th Read Punishments and Promotions and Half a Riddle Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Monday, March 19th
1. What was the dilemma that Sticky was facing with Mr. Curtain? What would you have done? He had to talk about why he was cheating. I would have run away if I was in the same situation as Sticky.
2. State Mr. Curtain's view on the idea of "control." Mr.Curtain's view of control is when you can force someone to do whatever you want and they will do what you said.
3. Why do you think that Sticky got off the hook for cheating and Reynie got off the hook for lying? Because Mr.Curtain only cared if he knew they were against the institute, it wouldn't affect him at all.
4, On page 304 it states that Martina's face, "shone with malevolence," what does this mean and how does that apply to this sentence? Malevolence is when you want to hurt someone, so Martina wanted to hurt them.
5. Why would Martina be promoted to Executive? Give reasons and your thinking as to why. Maybe she told the truth and Mr.Curtain liked it so he promoted her to messenger.
6. What does it mean when Mr. Curtain says that the "best way of dealing with those you don't trust is to keep them close." Reynie said this and now so has Mr. Curtain - what do you think this means for the both of them? It means that if you don't trust someone keep them them near you so you can watch them.
7. Why did Mr. Curtain make Sticky and Reynie messengers? He thinking about it before and finally decided he could trust them.
8. The coded message read: With open eyes now you may find A place you must exit to enter. Where one ----
What do you think this message might mean? Give reasons for your thinking. He meant that now their eyes had no blindfold so they should find the message device.
Monday, March 19th
Read The Whisperer and Open Sesame
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 21st
1. At the beginning of the chapter, Reynie has a dream. What do you think the dream means? The dream has Reynie being tortured by Jackson, so this means he is afraid of Jackson.
2. On page 314, it states that Reynie and Sticky shook hands "resolutely," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence? It means firmly resolved, and when they shook hands they resolved something.
3. On page 315, Jackson refers to Sticky or George as "dimwitted," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence? Dimwitted means slow thinking, and Jackson called Sticky slow thinking.
4. Why couldn't the boys know the way to the Whispering Gallery? If they knew the way the way they could go there whenever they want and possibly break it.
5. Describe the Whispering Gallery. The wispering (whispering) gallery is were the wisperer (whisperer) is. The gallery has a very large area, and only one desk.
6. On page 317, it states that the Whispering Gallery is so "austere," what does this mean? It means strict and not willing to compromise.
7. Again the idea of control comes up over and over, why? If Mr.Curtain has control he put the messages to full power. More details needed for this answer. Control is one of the main ideas of this book, because the Mysterious Benedict societies goal is to stop Mr.Curtian from getting it. He can gain control if he puts the messages to full power.
8. Describe what The Whispering can do and not do. The wisperer (whisperer) can read your mind and ease your fears, but cannot instantly force you to think things.
9. On page 319, when Renyie states that, "They go down easier, like candy rather than medicine." What is he talking about? He means that the thoughts are processed much easier.
10. On page 319 it refers to "inputting data," what is this? The children are inputting there sessions with the messenger into the computer and Mr.Curtain then sends them out.
11. On page 321, it states, "poison apples, poison worms," again - now what is this referring to? Why is this phrase repeated throughout the book? It is one of the messages that the children send through the wisperer. (whisperer)
12. On the last page of The Whisperer" it ends with Sticky saying, "Not being wanted, not being wanted at all," what was the question? The question was "what is your worst fear?".
13. Why didn't Reynie want to sit and eat with the rest of the messengers? What excuse did he give the messenger? He did not want to split up with Kate and Constance so he said he had a stomach virus.
14. On page 333, when Constance says that Reynie is "on," what does this mean? It means that his messages are being broadcasted.
15. How do we know that Mr. Curtain will be done with the Messengers after "the Improvement?" He will have all the messages recorded and will not need them anymore.
16. What are the clues about the trap? The clues about the trap are that they took teh (the)same number of steps to to get to the gallery than to get to the traps.
17. How did the kids figure out the code? They turned the paper over so the word LOSE turned into 3507.
Wednesday, March 21st Read Practice Makes Perfect and Know Thine Enemy Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Friday, March 23rd
1. Why is this chapter called "Practice Makes Perfect?" Because Mr.Curtain is practicing brainsweeping people. He is planing to brainsweep everyone in the world so he can control them.
2. Why would the government press releases be dated for the future? So that way when Mr.Curtain reaches the date the pamphlets are marked for he can use his plan without having to make the pamphlets.
3. What does the article and page 346/347 mean? It means that Mr.Curtain made up the emergency and is planning to take credit for solving the emergency and soothing peoples fears, when really he made the emergency.
4. Why would Mr. Curtain want to create fear in everyone? So then he can sooth it with his wisperers and people will like him.
5. Why would Mr. Curtain want to put together an Amnesia Sanctuary? Because he will bainwash everyone, and once they are brainwashed they will go to Mr.Curtain's amnesia sancturary and like him.
6. Why is this chapter called, "Know Thine Enemy?" Because they figure out that the recruter that was standing there and they thought was an enemy was really Milligan.
7. What is the "memory terminal?" The memory terminal is were Mr.Curtain takes people's memories.
8. On page 353, Reynie states, "But we are too late! Much, much too late," what is he referring to? He meant that he was too late to stop Mr.Curtain's plans because he already had tons of wisperers made.
9. Who was the "recruiter" staring up at the window at night? Milligan.
10. Why would he send the message to hurry? Because he knew Mr.Curtain would carry out his plan soon, so they had to hurry up and stop it.
11. Why was Milligan on the island? He came to try to take the chidren to safety, but they refused because they knew that they would be the only ones safe. Milligan decided then that he would help them.
12. Why wouldn't the kids follow Milligan? They knew that if they went into safe hiding, they would be the only ones safe.
13. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent with Milligan to give to the kids? 'He said to remind ypu that every single one of you is essential to the success of the team-that now more than ever you must rely on one another in all things'
Friday, March 23rd Read A Chess Lesson and The Mouse in the Culvert Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Monday, March 26th
1. What is Reynie's plan that he refers to on page 364? Reynie did not have a plan, all he knew was that he had to disable the wisperer.
2. Why was Reynie so afraid of "betraying?" Because he liked the wisperer so much that he might betray the Mysterious Benedict Society for the wisperer.
3. Why was Reynie doubting himself? Because he knew how strong the wisperer took hold of you and that he wants to help it.
4. Why was Reynie sending Mr. Benedict a message? He needed help facing the wisperer.
5. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent back? "Remember the white knight".
6. What did the message mean? It meant that the white knight had made a move during a chess game, then decided it was bad move and took it back.
7. How did Kate get into the elevator? She shot a marble down the hallway so Jackson chased it, then snuck onto the elevator.
8. Why didn't she want to push any of the buttons in the elevator? She knew Jackson would hear it and she would get caught.
9. How does Mr. Curtain deal with the subject of fear? He takes advantage of it by curing it and then people like him.
10. What is Martina's job? She was an executive helping the memory sweepers.
11. How did Mr. Curtain make sure no one was in the culvert? He dumped boiling water in the pipes.
12. What did Kate see in the water that had deceived her? A black triangular rock that see thought was a shark fin.